Deanne Elms (second from left), senior social worker with the Victim Assistance Program for the City of Detroit, shares stories of gratitude from sexual assault survivors with Assistance League board members: Joanne Wisniewski, Lorraine Taliercio and Marjorie DiLiddo.
An American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Overwhelmed by this tragic reality, the Assistance Leagueof Southeastern Michigan designated its 2017 Annual Fund campaign to support local sexual assault survivors. By providing practical resources and assuring survivors that someone cares, Assistance League hopes to reduce the stigma and shame that too often follow such crimes.
Last year, Assistance League’s Assault Survivor Kits® program provided more than 1,100 kits-free of charge–to 44 trauma centers throughout Michigan for abused and sexually assaulted survivors. The Assault Survivor Kits contain new clothing, including a comfortable top, pants, underwear, socks, toiletries, and a stuffed animal for children. Unfortunately, clothing is often retained by police as evidence, and without the kindness of Assistance League, some survivors would be forced to wear hospital scrubs home. With the number of incidents increasing significantly each year, trauma centers have requested additional kits, including children’s sizes.
“Thanks to the generosity and compassion of our Assistance League donors and members, we are able to help ease the physical, emotional and practical burdens that follow sexual assault,” said Marjorie DiLiddo, president of Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan. “Too often, these crimes are underreported and silenced, leaving survivors to face unspoken fear, loneliness and embarrassment. Simple acts of compassion help ensure that the trauma is not further compounded.”
Detective Jeffrey Manson of the Detroit Police Department’s sex crimes unit explains to Assistance League members the importance of providing confidentiality and safety for sexual assault survivors.
Nurse examiners who distribute Assault Survivor Kits in trauma centers report that fresh clothing is a practical need and a powerful statement of compassionate understanding. “Patients are extremely grateful for the clothing and toiletries provided by Assistance League,” said Deanna Elms, a senior social worker with the Victim Assistance Program for the City of Detroit. “After a survivor’s horrific trauma, fresh clothing and a compassionate act may be the first step in the emotional and physical healing process, providing some comfort and dignity.”
Assistance League has raised more than $17,000 during the campaign which continues throughout the month of May – helping survivors on their road to recovery.
